INDOOR DÉCOR

Inviting Office Space

Bring each room to the next level

By Emily Gaudet

MAKE IT NEW

Waiting rooms are a quick and easy upgrade. Patients or clients may spend more time there than expected, so keep comfort in mind.

The beginning of a new year is a great time to consider an update for your office or business. Unfortunately waiting rooms tend to be one of those spaces that get neglected. Yes, it is wonderful to have a doctor who has practiced for 30 years, but 30-year-old waiting room chairs don’t get the same reaction. Waiting rooms are a quick and easy upgrade that is well worth it. This space tends to get the most traffic and on a busy day, patients or clients may spend more time there than expected, so keep comfort in mind. You can achieve this by going more in the direction of a hotel lobby.

Also take into consideration the purpose of the venue. Comfort and calming colors help to create an inviting atmosphere. Add in a coffee bar and maybe even some prepackaged snacks. There can be a combination of chairs with arms and loveseats or sofas for families who may want to sit together. If the budget is tight then just update artwork and side tables and periodically clean out old or torn magazines.

MAKE IT INTERESTING

When designing any space, begin by focusing on the wall that is first seen when entering the space. This is a good place to bring in color, a three-dimensional logo, or something unique and creative for a point of interest.

At a local hair salon, I chose to bring in all three of these components. I began by suspending a large metal logo sign from the ceiling, then created a geometric pattern with black cords connecting seven floating product shelves. Taking into consideration the need for product display, all of the components come together and appear as one unit that serves to boast a dramatic entrance.

MAKE IT UNIQUE

I recently got the opportunity to upgrade 16 office spaces at Aucoin & Associates and chose to give each room its own unique feel and color palette. No two rooms look anything alike. This was an especially fun project because I love so many different colors and styles and I got to let each room tell its own unique story.

I brought each room to the next level all while keeping in mind that these spaces need to feel comfortable, calming, and exude a positive energy. My handmade fur accent pillows adorn a sofa in one room. Many clients have commented on how therapeutic it is to run their fingers through them during a difficult session. From furniture to artwork, every detail is carefully thought out in order to create a specific atmosphere.